Journalists Lília Almeida, João Carlos Gomes do Amaral Pessoa and Thales Trench de Camargo are the winners of the second edition of COMMUNITIES" Journalism Prize, which was launched earlier this year in the context of an initiative of the Regional Government through the Regional Directorate for Communities.

The initiative aims to promote a deeper understanding of the Azorean culture overseas as well as the journey and the challenges of the future of Azorean communities in the world. It is also intended to promote the respect as for the values of multiculturality and the full integration of immigrant communities in the Azorean society through journalist productions that contribute to a wider dissemination of the Azores abroad.

The works, presented in the form of press releases (written and digital), radio, television and photojournalism, were assessed by a jury composed of journalists from "Açoriano Oriental" newspaper, RDP/Açores and RTP/Açores. The works submitted were assessed based on various criteria: originality, innovation, creativity, research, correctness, impact on society and eventual public benefit.

Thales Trench de Camargo, a journalist from Brazil, won the "Azorean Communities" category with the work “Um pedacinho dos Açores perdido no Mar” (A piece of the Azores lost in the Sea). This programme about the Azorean settlement in Florianópolis was broadcast on Ponto UFS radio station, which is kept by the Journalism Course of Santa Catarina Federal University.

Throughout the programme, the journalist carried out a historical research as well as interviews with experts and locals to discuss the legacy of popular culture in the Azorean island of Santa Catarina as well as to demonstrate that other cultural influences have not weakened the identity of the population with Azorean roots.

Lília Silva Almeida, a journalist residing in the Azores, won the "Azores Immigrant" category with the work “Sou daqui e de lá” (I am from here and there) that was broadcast on Antena 1/Açores radio station.

Presenting a report on a multicultural summer camp organised by the Azores Immigrant Association (AIPA) for the children of immigrants, the journalist addresses the coexistence and interaction between youngsters from different countries and cultures.

In turn, Carlos João Gomes do Amaral Pessoa, a journalist residing in Lisbon, won the "Azores Emigrant" category with the work “As Bermudas já não querem açorianos” (Bermuda no longer wants Azoreans), published in "Público" newspaper.

In this work, the journalist portrays Azorean emigration to Bermuda, consisting mostly of men who leave alone to work there for a limited period of time. It addresses the consequences and impact of this experience on the emigrants' lives and their families' as well as the social, economic and political life of Bermuda.

 This international initiative promoted by the Government of Azores comprises three categories. The "Azores Emigrant" category is addressed at journalists residing in Portugal in the areas of press (written and digital), radio, television and photojournalism with published works in the national media that focus on the theme of Emigration and Azorean Communities.

The "Azores Immigrant" category is addressed at journalists residing in Portugal and comprises the same areas with works published in the national media that “focus on issues related to Immigration and Azorean Immigrant Communities. In turn, the "Azorean Communities" category is addressed at journalists from Azorean Communities in Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, USA, Hawaii and Uruguay with works published or disseminated in these countries. The works should focus on themes related to Emigration and Azorean Communities, integration of Azorean emigrants and the Region.